Raina's POV.I wasn't released from the cell until seven in the evening the next day. I knew the delay was due to the wedding ceremony, and I learned that Tristan had deliberately kept me locked up so I wouldn’t attend. I was grateful for the kind gesture because attending his wedding would have been torture for me.The wedding ceremony was ongoing, so I stayed clear of the venue. Knowing I would be the last person anyone would want to see there.I went to my room to clean myself up. I was uncertain about my future responsibilities. With Tristan's now married, my duties might shift. Natasha's hostility and false accusations left me sceptical about any improvements. Could I handle it? Was fleeing the only option? But what about my family, particularly my siblings? Given Tristan's monstrous nature, I knew he'd devise something sinister. I couldn't risk their safety out of selfishness. Despite my determination to stay and trust Tristan to honour his commitments, unease gnawed at me,
Tristan's POV Enraged is the best word to describe my state of mind. My father was killed when I was two years old. I have no recollection of him. My mother married the man that killed him. I still have yet to understand her reasons, but I believe there wasn't much she could do to spare herself. It was understandable that she would want to survive and ensure my survival, which might be why she married Darius Black, but everything else that happened after that was inexcusable. Everything that was meant for me was given to my brother. Everything. My mother did not have the decency to hand over my father's money and properties to me. She had no excuse. Darius might have defeated my father and taken over the Ironclaw region, making him the new King. He was naturally entitled to everything that came with the office he occupied, but his son was not entitled to my father's personal properties and wealth, especially things that were kept in my name. My mother handed everything over.
Raina's POVI remained fixed in the mirror, looking at Tristan’s mark on my neck. As much as I dreaded what would happen, the memories of how he touched me throughout the night warmed my heart. Could he be changing? But if he was, why did he get married? I was confused and longed for clarity. Knowing I had wasted too much time already, I tied my neck with a scarf to cover the mark and decided to resume work.I ventured outside and found one of Tristan's men at my doorstep. He wasn't a pack member but one of the outsiders who had aided Tristan in seizing the throne from Dean. I often wondered why these men were not given higher positions and why Tristan chose to elevate pack members instead. But such thoughts were not my concern."From now on, you report for work at Alpha Knight's house," he said. Not sounding condescending like Alec and the other officers. Sometimes, I think they pitied me, but my mind might be playing tricks on me."Very well, I will make my way there," I replied, and
Raina's POVThree guards stormed in, their expressions grim and unyielding. My confusion turned to alarm as they grabbed my arms and began dragging me out of the room."What's going on? Why are you doing this?" I demanded, struggling against their grip. But they remained silent, their faces impassive as they hauled me down the corridors.Fear gripped me as they led me to the cells. I tried to make sense of what was happening. Had I done something wrong? Was I being blamed for Natasha's sudden collapse? My mind raced with questions, but there were no answers.They opened a cell door and unceremoniously tossed me inside. I stumbled, catching myself just before hitting the cold, hard floor. The bars clanged shut behind me, the sound echoing ominously in the small space.I pressed my face against the bars, shouting after them. "Please, tell me what's happening!" But they were already walking away, their footsteps fading into the distance.Left alone in the dimly lit cell, I sank to the flo
Raina's POVTears streamed down my face as I clung to the bars, the silver scorching my hands. "I beg you. Please, believe me. I didn't do it. There has to be another explanation." I pleaded."Your family will starve and will only be given food after Natasha is well," Tristan said, his voice cold and unyielding. The weight of his words crashed down on me like a heavy boulder, and tears welled up in my eyes."Starve me instead; please leave them out of it…" I managed to choke out between sobs, my heart breaking at the thought of my siblings suffering because of me. But Tristan shook his head, his expression unmoved."Please, Alpha, I have served you faithfully since you returned; I never made an attempt on your life. Please. I am being set up," I pleaded, desperation lacing my words."Tell me why anyone would set you up. What would be the baker's gain, and what would be the gain of the witnesses? What would be Natasha's gain for attempting to kill herself?" Tristan's voice was stern, hi
Raina's POV"Your words mean nothing," Tristan finally said. "Why should I let the leverage I have over you go? You actually think I am stupid. Once they are out of here, you will run away. I see it in your eyes—pure defiance," he said the last part with annoyance, and I wished he would change his mind."Then set them free. Let them have normal lives here. They will die at this rate. Please," I begged. "And what would you give me in return?" he asked. I suspected his question was a trap. I searched my heart for the correct answer. I wanted to tell him what he would like to hear."I have nothing, Alpha. But if there is anything you want, I will do it," I said, and he leaned back in his seat."Get up," he ordered, and I did as he said."Don't you ever think you can request anything of me again, Slave," and I knew my pleas had fallen on deaf ears. A new rage aroused in me."They will die in there. You know it. You know it," I said. I had lost it completely. He looked unmoved."What els
Raina's POVTristan chuckled as if I had said something funny. "Would you have asked for forgiveness if I was still a rejected prince with nothing?" he asked, and I wondered why his mind would go there."Do you think you can switch between brothers just to fulfil your desire for power and comfort?" he asked, and I knew where he was driving."No, I am not asking you to forgive me and take me back. I have nothing to offer you. I am empty, damaged, and barren; my will is broken. I am not apologising because I want you to take me back. I am telling you to forgive me because I am sorry. Every day since then, I have hoped for a chance to seek your forgiveness," I said, and he did not respond. It was as if I hadn't said anything worth responding to."I have accepted everything, Tristan; I am ruined. I can never find love, be happy, settle, and have children. I have no future. That should be enough for you, yet you want to kill my siblings, too. What did Alisia and Peter do to you? What is th
Raina's POVTristan dragged me into the pack house to his room there and tossed me on the bed. I got off the bed quickly."Stay on the bed, Raina!" he ordered me, but I wasn't having it."It is Slave, Whore, Tool, Nothing, to you," I told him and continued to laugh."I've told you, Alpha, kill us all and give yourself peace. You have a wife now and may soon welcome pups into the world. Close this chapter and move on," I advised him. He nodded and stepped away from me."I see you truly don't care anymore, huh? Trying to act tough?" he said, smiling at me."I will show you the consequences of your actions," he said, leaving me numb.The door opened, and my sister was dragged in. She was filthy, with no chance to shower in ages. She looked sickly and malnourished. My heart shattered. If I hadn't gotten involved with Tristan, this wouldn't have happened. We wouldn't be on his list. Tears streamed down my face as I realised how powerless I was."Raina," Alisia said with a weak voice, and at
Raina's POVTwo Year LaterThe new trade law indeed favoured our people; there were jobs and new processing plants and factories under construction in Ironclaw. All illegal business activities were discontinued in Ironclaw. People that had left in search of greener pastures had returned. The other regions were not impoverished as the dead kings had feared, but wealth was evenly distributed, and more opportunities were created. The Nighthowler territory was being built, and it was almost completed. Former Nighthowlers emerged from everywhere to come home, and Tristan built his palace there. It was nothing big but a semblance to the type of home he promised to build for me while we sat at the lake when we were teenagers, and he promised me the world. We had recollected most of our promises and fulfilled the ones within our capacity.One of the most surprising things that happened after the battle with the evil kings was finding out that Alisia and Dean were fated. What were the odds
Raina's POVEverything had happened so fast, and somehow, the fear we might not survive had dissipated as we realised we were all fortunate to keep our lives. Luna Lisa was rushed to the hospital, but my mother said she would be fine. While Tristan discussed with the allies of the other royal families that had helped us take down the Kings, Dean walked to me to talk. It was an inevitable discussion, and I didn't know what angle it would take, but I braced myself for it. Clutching the robe around my body, I waited for him."Hey," he said, and I looked at him. We hadn't spoken since he woke up, and to think Alisia and I were the ones that found them."Rainy," he said, calling me how he referred to me often."I guess fate never lies," he said, and I looked at him. His eyes had a sadness and longing that I knew I could never alleviate."I never got to thank you for saving me and my mother. Alec told me how you and Alisia risked your lives to save us. I am grateful," he said, and I nodded.
Tristan's POVAmidst the chaos, my mother's wolf, a regal silver beast, went after King Lucian. She was a blur of fury, her claws and teeth tearing through his guards. Lucian's mottled brown wolf tried to fight back, but my mother was relentless. She bit down on his neck, and with a savage twist, she snapped it. Lucian's body crumpled to the floor, lifeless.Alec and Jared fought together, a formidable pair. Abel and his men tried to hold them off but were overwhelmed. Alec's powerful jaws crushed skulls and severed limbs, while Jared's speed and agility made him a blur of death. Abel's wolf fell beneath their combined assault, his body torn apart.The battle raged on, brutal and bloody. Some enemy wolves tried to escape, but the exits were barred. They were trapped, forced to face their doom. Ian Braxon and the rest of the Ironclaw alphas fought with savage grace, their wolves cutting through the remaining guards and assassins.Dean's wolf, covered in blood, finally brought down King
Tristan's POVThe air in the banquet hall grew thick with tension as I signalled for the doors and windows to be shut. The heavy thud and clatter echoed ominously, and I saw the flicker of realisation in the eyes of King Lucian, King Rufus, and King Oswald. Their arrogance had blinded them to the trap they had walked into. The time for pleasantries was over. Tonight, their reign of terror would end.Dean and our mother stood among the guests, their disguises blending seamlessly. Their eyes met mine, and a silent understanding passed between us. Our allies within the royal families were poised to act. The alphas of Ironclaw, Ian, Braxon, and their men were ready. The plan was in motion.King Lucian's laughter died in his throat as I bared my teeth in a feral grin. "Welcome to Ironclaw, gentlemen," I said, my voice dripping with menace. "You will not leave this hall alive."The assassins, led by Reuben and Abel, moved swiftly to protect the three kings and their families. But we were r
Tristan, POVThe day of the event was finally upon us. We positioned our men about the place, and the banquet hall was prepared.The Ironclaw alphas arrived at the venue, and soon, the three kings and some of their family members were around. Our moles, and hopefully the future kings, were there, too. There was a look of arrogance in King Lucian's eyes. King Rufus was friendly, but I knew he didn't mean well either. King Oswald was unreadable, but it didn't matter. We were still going to carry out our plan. Their reign of terror would end tonight.The kings brought us gifts and sat at their tables with their wives. Raina and I were there too. I noticed King Rufus's eyes linger on Raina. She was looking stunning. Some effort was made in her beautiful cream seductive gown. That showed cleavage and skin. She was a walking temptation. Her lips were red, and her eyes were ice blue. Her dark hair made her skin a lot paler. They had never seen such beauty, and she was mine. King Oswald's han
Tristan POVWe were still talking when my mother decided to grace us with her presence. The entire place was silent. It wasn't news anymore that she was a true Knight and not my father, as they had all expected. She was still royalty. It is in her blood."And while you are at it, I want my pound of flesh from Lucian. He was the one who started this nonsense. His father had agreed to improve on the trade deal. I remember the day his father and mine signed the agreement, but Lucian was too greedy. When he came into power, he knew how much he would lose in revenue and couldn't have it, so he instigated the other three against Ethan. Randolph did not join in and was shunned and excluded for that purpose. They frustrated Ethan's effort and finally used Darius and some of you to silence the man. Then, soon, when Darius realised he wasn't being treated as an equal, he decided to rise above his station. They sent the enclave to keep him in check since they were the ones that placed him there.
Tristan POV I woke up in the morning energised and ready to face the future. Alec had reached out to his friend in Renhall, and we had a plan. Dean also contacted a family member of King Oswald. I couldn't believe my brother was helping me. Instead of working against one another, we were working together. He promised to gather his own men. Although Dean was lazy with responsibilities, he was a good fighter. He just didn't like fighting, but I noticed something had changed. There was a maturity and new resolve in him. He had the look I had in my eyes now. I guess we were even somehow. The alphas arrived in the morning and were shocked to see Dean and me working together. I introduced Dean to them in his new Royal capacity, and they were happy. Ian was the most happy. Braxon was pissed to learn about the cottage in the woods at his border. I honestly did not think he was a traitor, knowing that many illegal activities were being perpetrated in Irconclaw; the kings had their goons ev
Raina's POVI didn't leave Elisabeth until the evening. We ate together, and I kept her company. My mother and Mrs Lana, former Delta's wife, came to join us. Dean never showed up, but Jared told me Tristan was with Dean. I guess they needed the privacy and time to mend their nonexistent relationship. Hopefully, they would get it right this time. When it was time to return home, I heard Tristan's voice in my mind."Join me at the lake, Blue Eyes," he said, and I felt butterflies. I always looked forward to spending time with Tristan. Having missed him since his mother and brother were found, I was glad to finally have him to myself now that they were awake.I left Elsiabeth's house and headed to the lake. I contemplated dressing up first but was too eager and headed to the lake instead. Upon getting there, I was surprised. Tristan was on a picnic mat with a basket, staring at the still water that reflected the shape of the full moon. His profile was handsomely illuminated by the m
Raina's POVLearning that Dean and Luna Elisabeth had pulled through and had woken up made me both glad and worried at the same time. Glad that they were fine, worried about the trouble they might cause. I know it would be impolite not to pay the former Luna respect. So I bought a flower and headed to King Darius's house, where I knew they were staying. Luckily for them, Tristan had kept the place clean, so it wasn't in disrepair, and Luna Elisabeth could easily move in. I bought her a bouquet of white carnations and a box of pistachio cookies, her favourite. This time, I watched them pack the cookies in my presence and seal the pastries in the box. I can't have risked my life to save the woman only to serve her poison. Knowing how she was and what she had gone through gave me a new level of respect for her, but I was still not over how she threatened me to be with Dean. I guess I would always have that grudge against her. It was understandable; after all, it ruined my life.When I g